The art of conversation

We live in a society where social media and our phones control our lives. Just take a look around and everywhere you go you’ll see people on their phones. We’ve become almost lost in the idea that we might miss something going on but often we are missing the things that are happening right before our eyes. My favorite part of the week is when I have the opportunity to eat a meal with our guests. Most of them don’t have cell phones, they’re not distracted with technology, but we share the one social ability that’s always existed, the art of conversation. It sounds silly but any given day at Morning Glory one can sit down at any table and join in the conversation. Someone recently asked me about my job and I told them imagine if every morning before you started work you got to have breakfast with your friends.

When you volunteer at Morning Glory you’re not just here to serve food and feel good. You’re here to live life with these guests. We are their family. They expect us to be open regardless of the weather or holiday. Many of our guests volunteer to help clean up, do dishes, or help in any way they can. For some of our guests the volunteers and staff are the only family they have.

I want to encourage every one of you this spring or summer to come and volunteer at Morning Glory. I promise that if you get to know our guests it will change your life. They will encourage you, teach you, and become your friend. They will challenge you. I know for some the idea of serving or being around the homeless can be scary. Maybe you’ve never talked with one, or spent time around them. They are no different from you or me. Christ died on the cross for all our Sins. We are loved by God all the same regardless of who we are and what we’ve done. His desire is for us to serve him, love him, and live our lives for him.

“We must restore hope to young people, help the old, be open to the future, spread love. Be poor among the poor. We need to include the excluded and preach peace.”– Pope Francis